Osteoporosis silently affects all ages
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Fifty-four million Americans are living with or at risk of osteoporosis and low bone mass, resulting in two million preventable fractures — one every 20 seconds — annually.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone density, or "porous bone," that can predispose someone to an increased risk of fracture. Labeled as a "silent disease," osteoporosis is unlike other serious diseases in that it doesn't hurt until an a bone is broken.
"Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. But white and Asian women, especially older women who are past menopause, are at highest risk," says Kariline Bringe, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.
"Most often, a fracture due to osteoporosis is caused by very little trauma of a fall from standing height, a trip off a curb, or a cough or sneeze." says Barbara Helgeson, a physical therapist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Onalaska. " About 90% of hip fractures and 33% of vertebral fractures are caused by a fall. Falls are preventable and are not a normal part of aging."
Other signs and symptoms that osteoporosis might be present include:
- Back pain caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
- Loss of height over time (loss of more than one inch)
- A stooped posture
"An important concept to remember is that bone is a living organ and is constantly being remodeled," says Dr. Bringe. "Additionally, bone can adapt in mass, size and strength in response to the stresses placed on it or the loading through it. This is why activities such as swimming and cycling have no impact on bone density, but walking, hiking and weight training can impact bone mineral density.
"Osteoporosis can strike at any age and can be thought of as a pediatric disorder with geriatric consequences. This is because 85–90% of adult bone mass is acquired by your late 20s. Building strong bones during the adolescent and teen years can help prevent osteoporosis later in life."
"Medications, healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones," adds Helgeson. "Young adults may be at risk for low bone density in conditions where hormonal function or normal physiology of bone development has been compromised. There is no one face to this disease."
World Osteoporosis Day is annually observed on Oct. 20. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
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Press Contact
Rick Thiessee-mail: thiesse.ricky@mayo.edu
phone: 608-392-9425